How long can you keep canned tomatoes?

In this article, we will answer the question “How long can you keep canned tomatoes?”. We will also discuss the shelf life of canned tomatoes and how to store them properly. Furthermore, you will learn how to detect if canned tomatoes have gone bad.

How long can you keep canned tomatoes?

An unopened can of tomatoes can last up to 5 years if stored correctly. However, it is best consumed within 18-24 months. 

After opening, canned tomatoes should be refrigerated and consumed within 3 days. Freezing prolongs its shelf life but might be not recommended because it can affect texture and quality.

Canned tomatoes come in the forms of whole peeled tomatoes, diced tomatoes and petite diced, stewed tomatoes, or crushed tomatoes. 

Unopened canned tomatoes have a long shelf life and are shelf-stable products because they undergo a preservation process called sterilization.

In this preservation technique, food is placed in airtight, vacuum-sealed containers and heat processed at 121 °C for a few minutes [1]. As a result, the food becomes commercially sterile [1].

While the food cools, a vacuum seal is formed that prevents any new bacteria from getting in the can. Thus, as long as the canned good stays sealed in the package and is properly handled, sterility is maintained, and no microorganisms develop [1].

After opening, the sterile environment is broken and contamination may occur. That´s why you should consume canned tomatoes quickly and keep leftovers in the refrigerator for no longer than 3 days.

Tomatoes are acid foods (pH 4.5 or lower). Under such hostile conditions, fungi develop more easily than bacteria, so after a few days following opening the can, you may note mold growth.

After opening the can, how long does the tomatoes last?

After opening the can, tomatoes should be consumed immediately. If you do not consume the whole portion on the same day, transfer the can content to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for 3 days.

Unopened, canned tomatoes are maintained in a sterile environment. As soon as they enter into contact with ambient conditions, microbes will find nutrients and  water to develop. 

Due to the acid character, fungi grow easier than bacteria in tomatoes.

Can you eat canned tomatoes after the expiration date?

Yes, you can eat canned tomatoes after expiration as long as the cans are unopened, stored properly and show no signs of deterioration.

The signs that the can deteriorated are crushing, rust, dents, or swelling [1]. If your canned tomato shows one or more of these signs, discard it. Contrarily, if the can is intact, the product is supposed to be sterile and safe [1].

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) [2], dates on cans indicate peak quality as determined by the manufacturer, so you can safely keep commercially canned foods longer than their dates. 

High-acid foods, such as tomatoes can be kept for 12-18 months past the best before date [2].  

Although they are safe, keep in mind that the quality attributes of canned tomatoes past their date, like the flavor, color, and nutritional profile, may have reduced over time. 

Home canned tomatoes don’t last quite as long. USDA recommends using these foods within one year of canning [2].

How long are canned tomatoes good after the expiration date? 

According to the USDA [2], high-acid canned foods, such as tomatoes, can be kept for 12-18 months past the best before date if stored unopened, and properly in a cool and dark place.

 What is the best way to store canned tomatoes to keep quality longer?

  • Unopened: the best way to store canned tomatoes when unopened is in a dry and cool place, avoiding proximity to a stove or any hot places. Temperatures below 30 °C are best [1]. 

Excessive heat can promote the degradation of beneficial compounds in tomatoes, such as carotenoids [3]. 

Moreover, according to the USDA [1], unusually high-temperature storage (above 50 °C) may result in harmless thermophilic bacteria multiplying and swelling or souring the product. If this happens, the tomatoes should not be eaten.

  • After opening:  Leftover of canned tomatoes should be moved from the can into a hermetically sealed container, refrigerated and used within 3 days after being opened. 

You can frozen it, but the tomatoes will loss quality due to texture deterioration.

How to store leftover canned tomatoes?

Leftovers of canned tomatoes should not be left out for more than 2 hours [4]. Store it refrigerated for no longer than 3 days. Preferentially, transfer the tomatoes to a airtight container.

Is it possible to refrigerate tomatoes in the can after opening?

It is possible to refrigerate tomatoes in the can after opening, but it is not recommended. 

Storing the tomatoes in the can favors exposure to air, which can bring microbial contamination, promote oxidation reactions, and loss of flavor, and aroma [1].

Therefore, avoid storing canned goods in the can, instead, transfer the content of the can to a sealed container before refrigerating it.

How to tell that canned tomatoes have gone bad? 

You can tell that canned tomatoes have gone bad by following these tips:

  • Carefully examine the can and make sure that it is completely intact. At any sign of rust, dents, or swelling do not consume it.

Holes in cans, even micro holes or fissures, can be a window to microbe contamination. Discard the can [2].

Swelling is critical to canned goods because may indicate that commercial sterilization has not been achieved properly due to processing faults. 

Unless you are sure of the cause of the swelling, the can must be discarded.

  • If everything looks fine with the can, open it, smell it and taste it to check the sensory quality. If you do not feel any strange appearance, odor or taste, feel free to use it in your recipe. 
  • After opening and during storage, pay attention to mold growth. Molds show up as colorful spots, sometimes with a cotton-like appearance. 

Do not consume moldy tomatoes because certain species of mold produce toxic compounds. 

Yeasts can also easily develop in tomatoes. You may feel yeast growth if your tomatoes taste fermented or if they show gas production (you see that as bubbles).

Changes in the texture (the product becomes more liquid) and smell (sour odor) can also occur and deteriorate the product quality. 

Conclusion

In this article, we answered the question “How long can you keep canned tomatoes?”. We also discussed the shelf life of canned tomatoes and how to store them in a way that maximizes their quality during storage. Furthermore, we learned how to detect if canned tomatoes have gone bad.

Citations

  1. https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/shelf-stable-food
  1. https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2014/08/19/save-money-knowing-when-food-safe
  1. Shi J, Dai Y, Kakuda, Y, Mittal G, Xue SJ. Effect of heating and exposure to light on the stability of lycopene in tomato purée. Food Control. 2008, 19(5);514-520.
  1. https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/leftovers-and-food-safety

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